HAM Radio on the PCX

[dgnyberg]

Anybody here have a HAM Radio installed on your PCX?
I'm thinking about either a low watt Transceiver(25W).
I may just get a good high gain antenna and use my HT connected to it.

Thoughts?

Dave

[RPM68]

Dave, I've been wondering the same thing. A PCX with a dual band radio would be a great tool for support on bike rides, marathons, etc. I'm going to see if RAM has a bracket available for my HT.

73,

K9COT aka Bob

[you you]

Dave, I've been wondering the same thing. A PCX with a dual band radio would be a great tool for support on bike rides, marathons, etc. I'm going to see if RAM has a bracket available for my HT.

73,

K9COT aka Bob

Wouldn't a mobile be better?

[RPM68]

You You,

A Yaesu FT-7900 would be ideal with the detachable head/mic mounted on the handle bar area and the radio remotely stored under the seat. I'm not sure how I would mount an antenna for it. The HT would be an easier solution if the higher power of the mobile wasn't necessary.

Bob

[dgnyberg]

I am thinking a Dual Band Slim Jim would be easy to carry and deploy at stops.
With the various rides I've been on with groups, HAMs would be great for the first and last riders.
Then, if there are any mechanical problems, the group could easily be notified.
If the group doesn't have multiple licensed HAMs, we could always use MURS.

But, yeah, I'm thinking of mounting a small mobile radio and a descent mobile antenna.
I've looked around a bit and some people are mounting the antenna on the top box
and lining the top box with conductive tape (copper) for the ground plane.

73s
KG5VOO
Dave

[RPM68]

Interesting solution for the ground plane. I've seen a metal baking sheet strapped to a rack with a mag mount stuck on it but I'm wanting a bit cleaner install! I have an extra Yaesu 7900 here. May have another project on the list


Bob

[Mel46]

When I had my Burgman 400, which I agree is larger scooter, there was a guy in our group who had a ham radio attached on his bike for events. He told me that it drew a lot of current so he had to do something or other, which I can't remember, in order to not drain the battery before finishing the event. It can be done, but am not sure how.
I am pretty sure that you could buy an inexpensive tail box to put the radio in and then run a quick connect mike extension cable under the seat to a front quick connect for it.
You can easily run a quick connect power connection to and from the box as well.

So i think the big question might be whether the PCX battery would be adequate. I believe that I saw a picture of some country in europe in which they had some PCX police bikes.

[dgnyberg]

When I had my Burgman 400, which I agree is larger scooter, there was a guy in our group who had a ham radio attached on his bike for events. He told me that it drew a lot of current so he had to do something or other, which I can't remember, in order to not drain the battery before finishing the event. It can be done, but am not sure how.
I am pretty sure that you could buy an inexpensive tail box to put the radio in and then run a quick connect mike extension cable under the seat to a front quick connect for it.
You can easily run a quick connect power connection to and from the box as well.

So i think the big question might be whether the PCX battery would be adequate. I believe that I saw a picture of some country in europe in which they had some PCX police bikes.

Yeah, Mel, I've been thinking about the electrical issues also.
A 25 Watt Transmitter would pull about 2 amps while transmitting.
That may be a bit too much for the Alternator to keep up with.
But, I wouldn't be operating while riding, seems just as bad as using a cellphone while riding.
Leaving the scoot running while stopped and transmitting might be okay.
I'm still researching that.

A Handie talkie wouldn't be an issue.
The biggest problem would be keeping the HT in the charger while riding.
But, I have extra charging bases and I think I could modify one with a couple little bungee straps.

KG5VOO
Dave

[RPM68]

I was wondering about the transmit current draw as well on a mobile radio. Dave, Are you going to deploy the slim jim antenna only while stopped or are you going to mount it to the scooter?

Bob K9COT

[dgnyberg]

I was wondering about the transmit current draw as well on a mobile radio. Dave, Are you going to deploy the slim jim antenna only while stopped or are you going to mount it to the scooter?

Bob K9COT

Well, I know I won't be transmitting while riding, so the Slim Jim will be deployed when stopped.
I am also looking at the NAGOYA UT-108 for mounting to the top box.
I will probably just use the handheld for a while, and then look into a mobile unit to mount on the scoot.
The Slim Jim and Nagoya both have sma-f connectors, so they will direct connect to the HT.

My rides usually are to State Parks and places with a view. So, while I enjoy a lunch, I'll spend some time modulating.
Plus, if I am at a place with no cell service, HAM ALWAYS WORKS!!!

Dave
KG5VOO

[dgnyberg]

Hey, Bob

You just got me to thinking. . .

I could put the slim jim in thinwall PVC and make a mount for it.
Then, I could have it "on the scooter" and still be able to remove it from it's mount for deploying for better TX/RX.
Hmmmmm. . . Thanks for making my mind go active!! LOL!!!

Dave
KG5VOO

[RPM68]

My rides usually are to State Parks and places with a view. So, while I enjoy a lunch, I'll spend some time modulating.
Plus, if I am at a place with no cell service, HAM ALWAYS WORKS!!!

Dave
KG5VOO



Always fun when you can combine hobbies and enjoy them together.

Bob